How much does a billboard cost?

[el_gato]

Has anybody here ever been involved in purchasing a billboard ad?
I am wondering not only how expensive it is but also what process
you go through to actually get the ad on the board.

[funkybutt]

1. i've never purchased a billboard ad but i have designed one

usually the bboard company will let you know what kind of file format ect that they accept. If this ad is political, you'll have to let the company know b/c i believe they can reserve the right NOT to put a board up that they believe may cause their business loss of business.

I'd just call the companies...pull out the yellowpages and aske em.

[democraticinsurgent]

2. price varies tremendously

...depends on the location, the size, etc. In Indianapolis you can get small billboards (the little urban ones) known as 8 sheets for around $150 apiece per month. Larger standard 30 sheets on city streets can go for anywhere from $300 to $700 per month. Large 14x48 "Bulletin" sizes that are often found on interstate highways are usually at least $1500 per month and often as much as $5000. In larger cities, they are higher. In smaller towns, they are less.

Then you have to do the artwork; it's almost always done digitally on Photoshop or similar program, then produced by the billboard company. That will cost an additional sum. If you're just doing one board it might be another $1000 or more. If you do a multiple board showing the per piece cost drops dramatically.

I am in the advertising business so if you need some more help, just let me know.